Bon Vie

I read an article recently about how the affluent are discreetly trying to live a little less rich. Brunching at Bon Vie feels a bit like this—you get indulgence without outright extravagance. There are no mimosas (or any alcohol for that matter) nor is there fresh cream for your coffee (prepackaged Mini Moo instead), but there’s still a regularly changing menu, gooey pull-apart cinnamon buns, loose-leaf teas, and lattes. A bistro in the truest sense, Bon Vie is a small, friendly café serving down-to-earth food with a side of personality. A Mexican omelet with a nice garlicky chorizo is stalwart, as is the popular eggs Benedict and French toast with sweet crème fraîche. Quiches, sandwiches, salads, pancakes, and scramblers are seasonal and eclectic—think orange coconut cakes or eggs with roasted leeks and Gouda. If you save room for dessert—usually tarts, crème brûlée, crisps, and truffles—by all means order it. They’re from A Piece of Cake, the bakery down the street with the same owner, Mary Zahasky. I’ll go out on a limb to suggest Zahasky doesn’t give a hoot about your Gulfstream, but it’s clear she knows a thing or two about The Good Life. 518 Selby Ave., St. Paul, 651-287-0112, M–Sa 7 a.m.–2 p.m., Su 8 a.m.–2 p.m. 

ORDER: Mexican omelet, farmers’ market breakfast (vegetarian scrambler), hash browns, bistro lunch (fruit, cheese, soup, and baguette), and granola. LIBATIONS: Coffee, Lavazza espresso, Tea Source teas, juice, and sodas. BRUNCHMETER: